After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Do not disturb the wound. Do not smoke for at least 36 hours after surgery. If a surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not be alarmed.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a damp gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea leaves helps to form a clot by constricting bleeding vessels. An ice pack should be placed on the face in the area of bleeding. If bleeding continues please call our office at Walter J. James, DDS, MD, APC Phone Number 318-865-0249 for further instructions.

Swelling

Some swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling and pain, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the face in the area of surgery. Leave the ice bag in place for 30 minutes and then remove it for 30 minutes. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours. You should keep your head elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft foods should be eaten for the first week after surgery. Return to a normal diet as you tolerate. Be careful about biting with the front teeth if surgery was performed around the upper front teeth.

Pain

Take the prescribed pain medicine as directed as soon as you are able to eat a light meal. If Naproxen was prescribed, begin taking it with the first meal, otherwise you may take Motrin/Advil/Ibuprofen 400-600 mg four times a day as needed for pain control. Plain Tylenol may be taken along with the Naproxen if needed. For greater pain, the prescribed narcotic pain medicine (Norco, Percocet, Demerol, or Tramadol)may be taken if needed along with the Naproxen or Advil.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue doing this until healing is complete.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and more quickly.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.

We're Here to Help!

Call us if you have any questions or concerns before or after your oral surgery procedure.

Walter J. James, DDS, MD, APC

Shreveport oral surgeon, Dr. Walter James, manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. For more information about the services we offer or to schedule a consultation, call our office in Shreveport, LA at 318-865-0249.